By DAYO ADESULU
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has stepped down from two high-profile corruption cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Justice Egwuatu withdraws from EFCC cases against Malami barely weeks after he was reassigned to handle the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. The judge announced his decision in open court on Thursday, citing personal reasons and the overriding interest of justice.
His withdrawal has added a fresh twist to the ongoing legal battles involving the former chief law officer of the federation.
Judge Cites Fairness and Public Confidence
In a brief but significant statement, Justice Egwuatu explained that his decision became necessary to guarantee fairness and sustain public confidence in the judicial process.
Although he did not disclose detailed personal grounds for recusing himself, he stressed that the integrity of the court must remain unquestionable. Legal observers say such withdrawals, though rare in high-profile matters, are sometimes taken to prevent allegations of bias or conflict of interest.
Justice Egwuatu withdraws from EFCC cases against Malami at a critical stage. The development occurred shortly after a civil forfeiture suit involving 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was mentioned in court.
The properties form part of a broader anti-corruption drive by the EFCC, which has accused the former minister of unlawfully acquiring assets while in office.
EFCC’s Forfeiture Case Against Malami
The forfeiture proceedings represent one of the major planks of the EFCC’s case against Malami. The anti-graft agency is seeking a court order to permanently seize dozens of properties it claims were acquired through illicit means.
The cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over them during the court’s vacation period over the Christmas break. However, following administrative reassignments within the Federal High Court, Justice Egwuatu took over before eventually stepping aside.
Now, with Justice Egwuatu withdrawing from the EFCC cases against Malami, the Chief Judge is expected to reassign the matters to another judge for continuation.
Legal analysts note that such reassignments may slow proceedings temporarily. However, they insist that the judiciary’s internal processes allow for continuity without jeopardising the substance of the cases.
DSS Arraignment Over Terrorism Allegations
Meanwhile, Malami faces a separate and more severe legal challenge initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Earlier this month, the DSS arraigned Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The agency filed a five-count charge against them under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik is presiding over the criminal proceedings.
According to court filings, Malami faces a standalone charge under Count One, which alleges that he knowingly abetted terrorism financing during his tenure as Attorney-General. The charge claims that in November 2022, at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Maitama, Abuja, he deliberately refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office.
The prosecution argues that such refusal amounted to aiding terrorism financing, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Malami and his son jointly face Counts Two to Five. These counts accuse them of engaging in preparatory acts of terrorism and unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition without a valid licence.
The DSS alleged that in December 2025, at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Kebbi State, security operatives recovered a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, sixteen live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and twenty-seven expended cartridges.
Prosecutors contend that possession of the firearm and ammunition without appropriate licensing violated Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Political and Legal Implications
The withdrawal of Justice Egwuatu has sparked debate within legal and political circles. While some observers view the move as a routine judicial safeguard, others see it as another dramatic layer in the unfolding legal troubles of the former minister.
Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice until 2023. During his tenure, he played a central role in shaping federal prosecutions and legal policy. Now, he finds himself at the centre of multiple investigations and court actions.
Justice Egwuatu withdraws from EFCC cases against Malami at a time when public scrutiny of anti-corruption prosecutions remains intense. Nigerians continue to watch closely, especially given the high office Malami once held.
For now, attention shifts to the Federal High Court’s next administrative move. A new judge will likely take over the EFCC matters, while the DSS prosecution proceeds independently before Justice Abdulmalik.
As events unfold, the coming weeks will determine how quickly the courts move to hear substantive arguments and whether the prosecution can sustain its allegations.
The judiciary’s handling of the cases will test not only procedural resilience but also public trust in Nigeria’s legal system.
